The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team raided the Hells Angels MC South Carolina Nomads clubhouse on Doby’s Bridge Road in Indian Land on Thursday evening, though sheriff’s officials are remaining tight-lipped as to why.

Maj. David Belk with the sheriff’s office offered few details regarding the incident, except to say the sheriff’s SWAT team conducted the operation at the request of the Rock Hill Police Department.

Although its staff will soon be leaving its Woodland Drive office, the local American Red Cross wants Lancaster County residents to know that none of its services will be affected.

Rebecca Melton, executive director for the Red Cross’ Upper Palmetto Chapter, said last week that the Lancaster Red Cross has chosen not to renew its lease at 106-C Woodland Drive, where it’s been housed the last three years. The lease expires at the end of this month.

A Lancaster mother was arrested Thursday in Rock Hill in connection with the death of her 18-month-old son last week.
Yasika Sherreeka Patterson, 25, of 1999 Pinta Drive, was arrested May 26 for murder/ homicide by child abuse, according to a Lancaster County Sheriff's Office press release.
Patterson was arrested by the Rock Hill Police Department and transported to the Lancaster County Detention Center, the release said.

Under a bright blue sky Wednesday morning, tears streamed down the faces of Cpl. D. Kevin Cusack’s family as his name was added to the Lancaster County Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Huddled in the front row at the memorial’s rededication ceremony, in the shadows of the historic and new county courthouses, Cusack’s family listened as a reverberating bell chimed for each name on the monument. There were eight chimes in all.

Homeowners may soon see an increase in county taxes as Lancaster County Council considers new funding for higher education and public-safety projects.
Council voted unanimously Monday to approve second reading of its proposed 2011-12 county budget, which includes two separate millage increases.
This year’s proposed budget includes an increase of 1 mill in the county’s general fund, a one-tenth of a mill increase in the University of South Carolina Lancaster fund and an increase of $5 in the county road fee.

Growing up, 19-year-old Christanna “Christy” Newton always wanted to be a legend and make a difference.
That’s why she wants to be a surgeon.
“They help make things better,” she said. “A good doctor...your patients don’t forget you.”
Those who know Newton say she has already made a difference in at least one life – the life of her daughter, Cavanna.
It’s going to be a long time before anyone at Buford High School forgets Newton and what she has accomplished.

As the last two days of school ebbed away Thursday and Friday, the students and staff of A.R. Rucker Middle School celebrated, a not uncommon scenario for most schools this time of year.
But their celebration was of another sort, one much closer to their hearts.
While other schools simply celebrated the end of the school year and the start of summer vacations, A.R. Rucker honored the memory of one of their own, seventh-grader Harley Manus, 13.

Though no cost-of-living or merit raises are included in the draft for next year’s budget, a number of city of Lancaster employees may see an increase in their salary.
City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday night in favor of first reading of the $19.98 million budget for 2011-12. Councilwoman Linda Blackmon-Brace dissented.
Several city employees could receive a pay increase as adjustments are being made to either their job duties or title, or both.